THE CONQUEST OF TIME AND SPACE 



of a ship, on which the passengers could stand. In 

 the two floors below were a saloon, compartments for 

 scientific instruments, sleeping-cabins, and practically 

 all the conveniences of a small, modem house. In the 

 car and suspended about it were wheels, guns, a printing- 

 press, cameras, cages of carrier-pigeons, baskets of wine 

 and provisions, games, and an "abundant supply of 

 confectionery." 



The first ascent was made from the Champs de Mars, 

 and twenty-five thousand persons paid the- admission 

 fee to witness it. This did not by any means represent 

 the number of persons on the field, as the barriers were 

 broken down in many places early in the day, and a 

 majority of the spectators thus gained free admission. 

 Fifteen persons made the ascent upon this occasion, 

 but instead of making a protracted voyage as intended 

 at first, the balloon was brought to the earth at nine 

 o^clock in the evening only a few leagues from Paris. 

 It is said that this landing was made contrary to the 

 wishes of Nadar, but in deference to the opinion of the 

 Godard brothers, who believed that the balloon was 

 being carried out to sea, whereas, in point of fact it was 

 travelling due east, directly away from the Atlantic. 



Three weeks later the second ascent was made, on 

 this occasion eight instead of fifteen persons starting on 

 the voyage. These were under the immediate com- 

 mand of Nadar, whose position was that of the captain 

 of a ship on the high seas, and whose authority none 

 might presume to question. A set of rules governing 

 the conduct of those on board and setting forth ex- 

 plicitly the authority of the captain was posted in the 



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